03 Yz450

Indiana

Just rode a 03 YZ 450. It was fantastic compared to my DRZ400. I am looking to do some hare scrambles in the Midwest. Any real knocks against this bike? It is priced right. I'm a C level rider and probably can't really ride up to some of the differences you guys are able to see in the newer bikes. I'm also looking for recommendations for tracks within a 2-3 hours or Indy.

grayracer513

> The power delivery is awe inspiring, hair-raising, thrilling, arm stretching, and can be a lot of fun, but it's not very useful sometimes, and can be difficult to learn to manage well. This can be alleviated somewhat by the addition of flywheel weight, and I recommend and use a Dr. D 8 ounce 'wheel on mine. Dubach will trade weights with you for no charge (except shipping) until you're happy with it, but I'll tell you right now, there is no downside to using the 8. For a complete cure, you could use a Vortex ignition, and choose a less aggressive timing map.

> Although the bike is not really any heavier than an '04 CRF, it feels much heavier, particularly top heavy, and the steering geometry makes them reluctant to initiate turns with. OTOH, they are a very stable ride, and will track through almost anything in a straight line. There are also things you can do about this issue, but it won't ever be the quick, nimble bike that an '06 is, or a CRF. I go fast on mine, and although I am a lot faster on an '06, I'm faster than some, and slower than others. You can ride the older ones, it's just more work, mostly.

It will be a lot of other things that a CRF isn't, though. Reliable, for one. The durability of the big YZF's is frankly incredible. They're not indestructible, but machinery doesn't come much tougher.

scottbob99

I picked up a 03 YZ 450 to race Southwick, that bike is a hole shot Machine!! With 23-27 bikes on the gate I can easily get a top 5 start, and I'm a 37 year old C rider and this is only my fourth year riding and first year at Southwick, the bike is amazingly fast, very stable and I think it corners well, at least at Southwick

Also, the bike has a FMFPowerbomb header, Factory 4.1 muffler and a JD Jet Kit.

I'm only into the bike for about $3000 and I can easily beat most of the 06's on the track. I wouldn't dare race a Hare Scramble with it unless the course is wide open, that's what my 2 stroke is for,

642MX

Just rode a 03 YZ 450. It was fantastic compared to my DRZ400. I am looking to do some hare scrambles in the Midwest. Any real knocks against this bike? It is priced right. I'm a C level rider and probably can't really ride up to some of the differences you guys are able to see in the newer bikes. I'm also looking for recommendations for tracks within a 2-3 hours or Indy.

BTW if anyone has a YZ 85 for sale let me know.

Welcome to TT. The 03 is a great bike, my boss has one and its a rocket. I personally like my 426 better because of the 5 speed tranny. But there is really nothing wrong with a 4 speed, its just my preference to have 5 gears.

I'm from Evansville, IN. I'm guessing you live in Indianapolis? We normally go to LTM in Casey, IL (actually I was there yesterday) here is there website. LTM website They have a long, national style track and plenty of harescramble loops thru the woods.

Indiana

Thanks for the input. I actually felt like the bike had really even usable power. It love how it dug in compared to the two strokes I rode in my early riding life. The bike felt so nimble compared to my DRZ so I guess it all depends upon your perspective. I am definately going to check out the Casey track I have some friends who like it there.
I let you know how it all works out.